Folding laundry table assembly

ABSTRACT

A laundry table that is easily stowed in a low profile vertically aligned configuration on the side of a washer or dryer unit or in a gap between a side-by-side washer and dryer. The table support is pivotally connected to a narrow rigid arm assembly that fits inside the gap between a side-by-side washer and dryer unit. The arm assembly is perpendicularly aligned and connected to a low profile foot structure that is placed on the ground and in the floor space and under the washer or dryer unit. During assembly, the washer and dryer units are placed over the foot structure so that the arm assembly is supported in a position when the table support is moved between in a vertical stored position and unfolded to a horizontally position along the side of the washer and dryer units and used to sort and hold folded laundry. In a second embodiment, the table support is stowed inside a recessed horizontal cavity formed on the front surface of one or both units.

This is a utility patent application which claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/930,566 filed on May 15, 2007.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention pertains to laundry tables and more particularly to folding, compact laundry tables that are setup adjacent to the washer and dryer.

2. Description of the Related Art

People typically want to sort and fold their freshly washed clothing in a laundry room adjacent to the washer or dryer units. Sometimes laundry rooms are small rooms with limited space for countertops or tables that could be used for sorting and folding cleaned laundry items. When a countertop or table is not available, the laundry is usually sorted and folded on top of the washer or dryer unit, or piled into a laundry basket and taken to another location to be sorted and folded.

What is needed is a laundry table that can be stored in a compact hidden, configuration when not in use that can be easily unfolded directly in front of or along the side of the washer and dryer unit.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The above stated object is met by a foldable compact laundry table disclosed herein that includes a rigid table support that can be selectively moved between a compact, space-saving configuration to a flat horizontal extended position in front of or along the side surface of a washer or dryer unit. In the first embodiment, the table support is attached to a vertically aligned rigid arm assembly designed to fit closely against the front or side surface of a washer or dryer unit. In the preferred embodiment, the rigid arm assembly is relatively narrow structure so that it may fit into the narrow vertical side gap normally created between side-by-side washer and dryer units.

In one embodiment, at least one lateral foot is perpendicularly aligned and attached to the lower end of the rigid arm assembly designed to securely hold the arm assembly in a vertical position inside the side gap. Most washer and dryer units include four level adjustable feet which are used to level the units. The feet elevate the units and create a small floor space between them unit and the floor. In the first embodiment, the apparatus includes two lateral extending feet with each foot having a low profile to allow it to fit in the floor space and under one or both side-by-side washer and dryer units. A leg on adjacent units may be positioned over the feet to hold the arm assembly in place.

Attached to the upper end of the rigid arm assembly is at least one rotating joint assembly that enables the table support to rotate vertically over the arm assembly's longitudinal axis. The joint assembly includes at least one rotating hub that connects to a post attached to a table support. In the first embodiment, two independent rotating hubs are provided that connect to two posts each attached to a table support. The posts are able to rotate approximately 90 degrees thereby enabling the two table supports to unfold rotate and extend in opposite directions to create an elongated sorting or folding surface that extends over the front surfaces of both side-by-side units. When the sorting and folding surface is no longer needed the two table supports may be rotated and folded upward and stored in the side gap between the two side-by-side units.

In a second embodiment, the table support is pivotally attached to two hinges directly connected to the front surface of one or both side-by-side units or connected to two vertical support arms that extend upward over the front surfaces of the units. During use, the table support is selectively folded downward and stored in a compact, vertically aligned position adjacent to the front surface of the washer and dryer units. The table support may be selectively rotated into a horizontally aligned position and used as a sorting and folding surface.

In a third embodiment, one or both washer and dryer units include a lower recessed front cavity each designed to receive a transversely aligned table support. One or more locking hinges are attached to the top edge of the table support and the upper inside edge of the front cavity that allows the table support to rotate between a vertical aligned position and inside the recessed cavity to a forward extending position. When folded downward, the top surface of the table support is flushed and has an appearance that matches the front surfaces of the washer or dryer unit. When pivoted to a forward extending position, the table support is locked in position and used for a sorting and folding surface.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of side-by-side, front loading washer and dryer units with the folding laundry table disposed in a stowed position in the gap between the two units.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the washer and dryer units shown in FIG. 1 showing the support arm being extended outward from the front of the washer and dryer units.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the washer and dryer units showing the two table supports being unfolded and supported by the support arm over the front surfaces of the washer and dryer units.

FIG. 4 is a side elevational view of the folding laundry table located in the gap between side-by-side washer and dryer units.

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of the folding table located in the gap between the side-by-side washer and dryer units with one table unfolded and the other table is positioned in a vertical extended position.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the folding laundry table shown in FIGS. 1-5.

FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of the rigid arm assembly.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the table arm joint.

FIG. 9 is a sectional, front elevational view of the table arm joint.

FIG. 10 is a rear elevational view of the table support.

FIG. 11 is a side elevational view of a table support attached to a hub and rotated into a stored configuration.

FIG. 12 is a side elevational view of the table support and hub shown in FIG. 11 rotated into an extended configuration.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of side-by-side, front loading washer and dryer units with a second embodiment of a folding laundry table supported by two leg brackets located under the washer and dryer units.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the washer and dryer units shown in FIG. 13 showing the folding laundry table in an extended position over the front surfaces of the washer and dryer units.

FIG. 15 is a side elevational view of the folding laundry table shown in FIG. 13.

FIG. 16 is a side elevational view of the folding laundry table shown in FIG. 14.

FIG. 17 is a partial side elevational view of the lower front corner of the leg bracket with the support table is a folding configuration.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of side-by-side, front loading washer and dryer units with a third folding laundry table integrally attached to the front surfaces of the washer and dryer units.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the washer and dryer units shown in FIG. 18 showing the third embodiment of the support table in an extended position over the front surfaces of the washer and dryer units.

FIG. 20 is a side elevational view of the a third embodiment of the invention showing the table support pivotally attached to a bracket that extends upward over the front surface of a washer and drier unit.

FIG. 21 is a side elevational view of the third embodiment of the invention showing the table support pivotally attached to a bracket that extends upward over the front surface of washer and dryer units.

FIG. 22 is a side elevational view of the third embodiment of the invention showing the table support.

FIG. 23 is a side elevational view of the third embodiment shown in FIG. 22 with the table support partially extended.

FIG. 24 is a side elevational view of the third embodiment shown in FIGS. 22 and 23 with the table support fully extended.

FIG. 25 is a partially perspective view of the table support in a fully extended position showing the rotating side clip moving in a vertical side rail.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT(S)

Referring to the accompanying FIGS. 1-25, there is shown a compact folding laundry table assembly 10 setup adjacent to the front surfaces of washer and drying units, 90, 95, respectively. In the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-12, the table assembly 10 includes a rigid arm assembly 12 designed to be stored in a compact vertical configuration fit into a narrow vertical side gap 99 created between the two units 90, 95. Attached to the upper end of the arm assembly 12 is at least one table support 50. The table support 50 may rotate and tuck inside the side gap 99 or unfolded into an extended position adjacent to one or both front surface.

Attached or integrally formed on the lower end of the arm assembly 12 are two short laterally extending feet 14, 18 designed to securely support the arm assembly 12 in a vertical position along the sides of the washer and dryer units. The feet 14, 18 have a low profile to allow them to slide and fit under the washer and dryer units 90, 95. One of the adjustable leveling legs may be placed on top of the feet located along its upper end. The arm assembly 12 is made of two triangular-shaped plates 13, 17, spaced apart and connected together by a front plate 20 and a rear diagonal plate 22.

Attached to the upper end of the arm assembly 12 is a rotating joint assembly 24 that enables at least one table support 50 to rotate vertically over the arm assembly's longitudinal axis. The joint assembly 24 includes two side-by-side independently rotating hubs 25,30. Each hub 25, 30 is selectively attached to a rigid table support 50, 60, respectively. The two rotating hubs 25, 30 are positioned inside the space created between the two plates 13, 17. Each hub 25, 30 include a center bore 26, 31 that receive a transversely aligned axle 36 that allows them to rotate freely between the two plates 13, 17. Formed on the lower surface of each hub 25, 30 is a recessed stop surface 27, 32 which engages a stop pin 37 that extends transversely between the two plates 13, 17. The stop pin 37 is located below the axle 36. Disposed around the axle 36 and between the two hubs 25, 30 and the inside surfaces of the two plates 13, 17 are three washers 38A-C.

Each hub 25, 30, includes a flat support surface 28, 33 that extends forward and upward. Formed on the support surface 28, 33 is a table post bore 29, 34, respectively. The table post bore 29, 34 extends approximately half way into the hub 25, 30, respectively. As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, formed on the outside surface of each hub (only hub 25 shown) is a stop key recessed cavity 70. The cavity 70 communicates with the table post bore 29, 34, respectively. Disposed inside the stop key recessed cavity 70 is a stop key 72 (one shown) which engages a keyway surface 54 formed on the table support post 55 when the post 55 is extended into the post bore 29. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, each stop key 72 and 82 is rectangular in cross section and positioned inside the cavity and bore so that the table support posts 55, 65 may rotate 90 degrees thereby disposing the panel on the table support in either a vertical to a horizontal position. Each stop key 72, 82 is selectively attached to the hub via a threaded connector 73, 83.

The two table supports 50, 60 include a square or rectangular outer tube frame 51, 61 with a thin panel 52, 62 disposed therein, respectively. Extended rearward from the inside corner of each tube frame 51, 61 is the table support post 54, 64 which is inserted into the post bore 29, 34 formed on the hubs 25, 30, respectively. Formed on the distal end of each post 54, 64 is a flat key surface 55, 65 that is engaged by a stop pin 72, 82, respectively. The table supports 50, 60 are sufficiently thin so that they fit into a side gap approximately one inch wide formed between the side surfaces on the side-by-side washer and dryer units 90, 95. During use, the upper end of the arm assembly 12 are positioned adjacent to the front edges of the washer and dryer units 90, 95 so that the table assemblies 50, 60 can be rotated is positioned in front of one of the washer or dryer units 90, 95 or in front of both units 90, 95.

In a second embodiment, shown in FIGS. 13-17, the table support 100 is pivotally attached directly to the front surfaces of the washer and dryer units 90, 95 via two supports 110 and 120. Each support 110, 120 include a vertical mast 112, and 122, respectively. Attached to each mast 112, 122 are two laterally extending feet, 114, 116, and 124, 126, respectively. During use, each pair of feet 114, 116 and 124, 126 extends under the washer and dryer units 90, 95 and support the mast 112, 122. An elongated table support 130 is pivotally attached via hinge 140, 142 attached to the top end of the two masts 112, 122, respectively. Pivotally attached to the bottom edge of the vertical masts 122, 124 as a L-shaped arm 126, 128. Hinges 132, 134 pivotally attach the arm 126, 128 to the lower end of the vertical masts 122, 124. Extended between the bottom surface of the table support 130 and the arm 126, 128 are two piston cylinder arms 136, 138 the piston cylinder arms 136, 138 are designed to hold the table support 130 in a horizontal alignment when laundry is placed thereon.

In a third embodiment of the invention, shown in FIG. 18-25, modified washer and dryer units, 190, 195 with outer housings 191, 196, respectively, are shown with a lower, recessed horizontal aligned cavities 193, 198, respectively. Disposed inside each cavity 193, 198 is a pivoting table support 240. In the preferred embodiment, each cavity 193, 198 is located on the lower section of the units 90′, 95′ below the front openings 194, 199. Mounted on the opposite sides of each cavity 193, 198 are two vertically aligned side rails 300. Attached to each end surface 242 of the table support 240 is a side clip 250. The side clip 250 includes a roller post 252 that extends inward and through an outward facing fully, extending slot 302 formed on each side rail 300. The roller post 252 is rotatably and perpendicularly mounted on the proximal end of each side clip 250. Attached to the opposite end of the roller post 252 is a rotatable wheel 256 that moves freely up and down inside the side rail 300 during operation.

The side clip 250 is pivotally mounted via a pin 254 to the side surface of the table support 240. Formed on the upper distal edge of the side clip 250 is a recessed opening 258 designed to receive a laterally extending tab 248 formed on the end surface 242 of the table support 240. As shown in FIGS. 22-24, a motor 320 located in the outer housing. Attached to the drive shaft on the motor 320 is a fixed pulley. Attached to the pulley is a cord 320 that extends downward through the side rail and attaches to the roller post. During operation, the motor 20 is operated in opposite directions to raise or lower the roller wheel in the side rail. The top edge of the table support is curved and beveled so that it automatically is forced outward from the cavity when the table support id lifted. When the side clip reaches the top of the side rail, the side clip is horizontally aligned and the tab 248 presses against the recessed opening to hold the table support in a horizontal position. In the preferred embodiment, the depth of the recessed cavities 93, 98 and the thickness of the table support 140 are sufficient so that the top surface of the table support is flush mounted on the front surfaces 91′, 96′ of the two units 90′, 95′.

The electric motor 320 may be connected to a switch box 400 with OPEN and CLOSE switches 402, 404 mounted on the front surface. The two switches 402, 404 may be coupled to a motor 500 located in the washer and dryer doors (not shown) that automatically rise and lower the table support 240 when the doors are opened or closed, respectively.

In compliance with the statute, the invention described herein has been described in language more or less specific as to structural features. It should be understood however, that the invention is not limited to the specific features shown, since the means and construction shown, is comprised only of the preferred embodiments for putting the invention into effect. The invention is therefore claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the legitimate and valid scope of the amended claims, appropriately interpreted in accordance with the doctrine of equivalents. 

1. A folding laundry table for a washer or dryer unit, comprising: a. at least one foot designed to fit under a washer or dryer unit; b. a vertical support perpendicularly aligned and attached to said foot; c. at least one rotating hub attached to said vertical support, said hub able to rotate between a first to a second position; d. at least one pivoting arm attached to said hub, said pivoting arm able to be rotated around its longitudinal axis; e. a table support attached to said pivoting arm; and, f. whereby when said foot is positioned under a washer and dryer unit and said vertical support is positioned against a vertical surface on a washer and dryer unit, said pivoting arm may be rotated on said hub and said hub may be rotated on said vertical support to move said table support from a folded upright position along a vertical surface and an extended horizontal position.
 2. The folding laundry table, as recited in claim 1, further including the washer or dryer unit that includes at least two height adjustable legs that support the washer or dryer unit in an elevated position above the floor, thereby creating a floor gap in which said foot extends.
 3. The folding laundry table, as recited in claim 1, wherein said vertical support comprises two vertical plates with a pivoting hub located at their upper ends.
 4. The folding laundry table, as recited in claim 1, wherein a second pivoting arm is attached to said hub and a second table support is attached to said second pivoting arm.
 5. A laundry cleaning and folding center, comprising: a. a mechanical laundry device used for washing or drying laundry; and, b. a table support capable of being folded between a first vertical position parallel to a vertical surface on said laundry device and a second horizontal position, that extends horizontally from a vertical surface on said mechanical laundry device.
 6. The laundry cleaning and folding center, as recited in claim 5, wherein said table support is pivotally mounted on the front surface of said laundry device.
 7. The laundry cleaning and folding center, as recited in claim 5, wherein said table support is pivotally attached to two brackets mounted on said front surface of said laundry device.
 8. The laundry cleaning and folding center, as recited in claim 5, wherein said mechanical laundry device includes a front recess cavity in which said table support is disposed.
 9. A laundry device, comprising: a. a main housing containing a laundry washing and drying mechanism, said main housing including a front surface; b. a lower transversely aligned cavity located on said front surface; c. at least one table support disposed inside said cavity; and, d. a means for pivotally mounting said table support inside said cavity so that said table support may be moved between a vertical aligned position and flushed with said front surface and a forward extending horizontal position capable of supporting laundry.
 10. The laundry device, as recited in claim 9, wherein said main housing includes a main opening located on said front surface and above said cavity. 